Method, System, and Apparatus to Prevent Electrical or Thermal-Based Hazards in Conduits

ABSTRACT

A method, apparatus, and system for protection from hazards of conductivity is disclosed using non-electrical means to disrupt electrical current with a thermovolumetric substance. The purpose of this invention is to prevent hazardous conditions from occurring by disrupting the flow of electrical current prior to the development of arc fault conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Systems which are in connectivity typically include an infrastructurecomprised of mechanical framework and means for disconnecting,regulating, controlling, distributing, and modifying the conductedmaterial. Electrical arc-faults in connectivity occur when the operatingcurrent exceeds normal bounds; such as caused by differences inexpansion of the conduit and metal contacts, a manufacturing defect, orOhmic heating caused by increased resistance of the conductor due togalvanic corrosion.

Electrical arc faults in electrical connectivity generate white hotplasma and intense heat. Arc faults can be caused, for example, by amanufacturing defect, overload, or thermal expansion and contraction atthe joints by the thermodynamics of current on the conductor. There is aplethora of publically available documents such as, “AmericanElectricians Handbook” by T. Croft, F. Hartwell, and W. Summers (whichis included in its entirety by reference herein), that teach electricalsystem designs and installations, as well as hazards related thereto.Other documents are publicly available that teach how to design systemsthat mitigate the related hazards with controllers, circuit breakers,ground fault detectors, and circuit interrupters.

For brevity, the following summary is focused on, but not limited to,systems comprised of conduits that conduct AC or DC electricity. Theconduits are conventionally connected to metal lugs in a “junction box”or panel with connectors that provide connectivity, usually in a seriesfashion. The connectivity provides a path to a combiner box thataggregates. Several combiner boxes are often connected in a tree-likefashion for aggregating power into a transmission line. In practice, oneor more combiner boxes include over-current protection and isolationmeans, such as relays, breakers, or insulated levers to deal withoverloads and isolate safety hazards.

Briefly stated, the present invention is a device to provide autonomousdisruption of connectivity without need for measuring temperature withthermometric sensors.

In the case of an arc occurring within connectivity, the intense heatgenerated can result in a localized fire of combustible material used inthe connector's construction which quickly spreads to proximalcombustible materials.

Ohmic heating, due to corrosion or loose connections, can also lead toan arc fault in junction boxes, combiner boxes, inverter boxes, andinsulation within the electrical distribution system. The ohmic heatingmay also degrade the conductive material in a manner that whensufficient energy is present, an arc fault can be established in theconductive material itself.

Human trauma and electrocution can result by touching the metal frameand/or an associated electrically conductive structure of a systemcomponent, which is electrified by an arc fault. When the supportingenergy of the arc fault is DC, there are no zero-crossings as inalternating current and the arc does not self-extinguish, but continuesas long as sufficient energy exists.

There is a pressing need for an improved means described in detail inthe present invention that acts autonomously to take action to preventarc-faults from happening. It would therefore be desirable to provide anapparatus with means for pre-arc, unsafe-condition detection andmitigation therein that works even when voltages and currents are withinnormal limits. Further, the protection system would meet the 2014National Electric Code (NEC) Handbook Section 690.11 and other NECrequirements (reference #1 in the list of non-patent documents, which isincorporated in its entirety by reference) by annunciating unsafeconditions in PV system equipment and associated wiring. The protectionsystem would provide mitigation before the arc-fault occurs, shuttingdown the PV component with an unsafe condition; therefore preventingfire damage and human disasters by properly isolating only the unsafecomponent in a safe manner and alerting the system owner or consumer forreplacement or reinstatement.

DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART

In preparing this application, a search of World Intellectual PropertyOrganization (WIPO) member websites found over two hundred issuedpatents for detecting and protecting after electrical arc faults happenin chafing, overload, and wire short situations. None of these patentsdcal with methods or a system with means to pre-erupt an arc faulthours, days, or even months before the discharge occurs. However,several patents and limitations thereof which are overcome by thepresent application are presented below.

There are numerous examples of prior art, including patents andpublications that present principles, methods, systems, apparatus, andtechniques for detecting and mitigating active arc-faults when theyoccur. There are numerous examples of art that teach detecting thearcing of a “load-side short,” as experienced when electrical equipmentfails, causing fuses to break due to current increase of electricitysupplied by a generator or power facility. These methods cannot workwell when sunlight is the energy source, as is the case with PV modules.This means a solar-source arc continues, due to the sun's rays (eitherdirect or reflected from the moon), unless the module is covered somehowto occlude the sunlight; or the connectivity upstream is disrupted.

While there are numerous patents for detecting current overload, whichcauses fire in panels and electrical outlets, our search of the WorldWide Web and the USPTO site patent database did not find issued U.S.patents or U.S. patent applications that teach direct mitigation ofunsafe conditions without need for an electrical device such as atemperature sensor. Nor were there examples of prior art providingmitigation when current and voltage are within acceptable limits.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,410,950, issued to Takehara, et al. (referenced in thelist of patent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety byreference herein), teaches an electronic monitoring module for measuringvoltage and current of PV panel output, comparing measured valuesagainst minimum and maximum values saved in the monitoring module, andoutputting an alarm signal when a measured value is outside a rangedefined by the minimum and maximum values. The invention this patentclaims contains various electronic monitoring and electrical invertercomponents which differ it from the present patent.

H. Bruce Land III, Christopher L. Eddins, and John M. Klimek (Land, etal.), in a paper publicly available on the web entitled, “Evolution ofArc-Fault Protection Technology at APL,” claims that an electrical fireis reported in the United States every five minutes. This paper(reference #9 in the list of non-patent documents and which isincorporated in its entirety by reference herein) documents that AppliedPhysics Laboratory (APL) created an automatic fire detection (AFD)system to detect and quench these fires. This paper also documents thatAPL developed electronically operated circuit breakers that are thefollow-on to arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) and ground faultinterrupter (GFI) breakers.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,464,946 to Blemel et al. (referenced in the list ofpatent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety by referenceherein) teaches using thermokinetic energy to forcibly open anelectrical connector. The disruption mechanism in this patent stems fromthermokinetic energy produced by heating of energetic materials asopposed to thermovolumetric, thermohydraulic, or thermoexpansivemechanisms listed in the present patent.

U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2016/0097685 to Blemel et al. (referenced inthe list of patent documents and which is incorporated in its entiretyby reference herein) teaches detection of state change in athermomorphic material to detect an unsafe condition in connectivity.The disruption of the connectivity in the patent differs from thepresent patent in that no mention of thermohydraulic or thermovolumetricexpansion mechanisms are made.

J. F. Sherwood in U.S. Pat. No. 2,815,642 (referenced in the list ofpatent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety by referenceherein) teaches the use of the thermoexpansive properties of wax toproduce hydraulic actuating pressure and eventually actuate a separatecomponent. However, this invention requires a spring to compress the waxonce cooled.

F. P. Mihm's U.S. Pat. No. 3,302,391 (referenced in the list of patentdocuments and which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein)teaches a thermoresponsive material that expands when heated and pushesagainst a piston actuating a hydraulic force. The design in the listedpatent utilizes a spring which enables the invention to return to astart position, whereas the present patent can only undergo actuation ina single direction.

Loveday et al. in U.S. Pat. Publication 2010/0095669 (referenced in thelist of patent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety byreference herein) teach the thermoexpansion of wax to produce hydraulicforce to an output shaft, thus providing means of displacement to aworking object. The patent differs from the present patent in that a waxgenerator coupled to a hydraulic transmission devices is required foroperation. The present patent utilizes direct thermohydraulic orthermovolumetric force from a thermoexpansive substance optionallyaugmented by force from a thermokinetic substance as opposed to atransmitted force.

Sheppard et al. in U.S. Pat No. 9,441,744 (referenced in the list ofpatent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety by referenceherein) teaches a valve apparatus actuated by a thermoexpansivematerial. However, this invention differs from the present patent as thedesign requires a spring to compress the wax once cooled.

Lamb et al. in U.S. Pat No. 6,988,364 B1 (referenced in the list ofpatent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety by referenceherein) teaches the thermoexpansion of wax to push against a diaphragmand produce an actuation force. This differs from the present design asit utilizes a diaphragm.

Pat. No. GB663907 to Sherlock (referenced in the list of patentdocuments and which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein)teaches motion of a thermally responsive element utilizing thevolumetric expansion of wax and a rubber sealing recess. The patentclaims a thermally responsive element comprising a rigid housing and aresilient member which transmits motion to a rod. The expansion of a waxwithin the rigid housing causes a displacement of the resilient memberand thus the displacement of the rod. The apparatus in this patentdiffers from the designs in the present patent as the device is areversible actuator with no mention of application to disruption norconnectivity systems.

U.S. Pat. No. GB748131 to Standard-Thomson Corp (referenced in the listof patent documents and which is incorporated in its entirety byreference herein) teaches improvements in or relating to resilienttelescoping diaphragms which contain a liquid or wax which expands orcontracts based on temperature changes. The claims of the patent statethat the apparatus can be used for reciprocating motion and containsreciprocating elements. Further, the apparatus in question is primarilyfor use in thermostatic valves, which have discrete open and closedpositions and can switch back and forth to those positions at specifiedtemperatures.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,166,892 to Sherwood (referenced in the list of patentdocuments and which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein)teaches the design and sealing of an actuator utilizing thermallyexpansible materials as a mode of motion. The design consists of apressure chamber filled with a thermally expansible material which isheated by an electrical heating element enclosed within the chamber. Thepatent claims an actuator comprising a housing, pressure chamber, powerproducing material in the pressure chamber, and a piston shaft forreciprocable movement which utilizes an improvement of sealing andshaft-lubricating. A reciprocable design enables the control of theactuator in both the forward and reverse directions.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,922,694 to Harttiq (referenced in the list of patentdocuments and which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein)teaches the design of a drive device for a piston in a containercontaining a liquid product. The patent claims a drive device for apiston in a container containing a liquid product, where the liquidproduct causes the extension of a piston in a longitudinal directiononly. An actively varying shape is further claimed, enabling the pistondevice to operate with different cross sectional shapes. The listedpatent only describes an actuator which can move in forward and reversedirections, with no mention of utilization of actuation motion norapplication to disruption of connectivity. The above patent utilizes athermally expanding substance such as, but not limited to paraffin, inorder to cause actuation. Two actuators are included in the design wherethe first and second actuators are used to cause a change in the shapeof different segments.

The above inventions are meant for reversible actuation or forward andreverse motion.

U.S. Pat. Application No. 2005/0088272 to Yoshikawa et al. (referencedin the list of patent documents and which is incorporated in itsentirety by reference herein) teaches the design of a thermal fuseincorporating a thermal pellet, which allows for a spring actuator tobreak an electrical connection at a specific temperature. The patentfurther teaches a method of producing said thermal pellet along withanalysis and comparison of many polymeric materials which can serve asthe thermal pellet material. Differentiation between this patent and thepresent patent is clear in that the present patent docs not utilizesprings nor a thermal pellet.

None of the above patents, patent applications, and publicly availableprior art teach utilizing thermohydraulic substances to disrupt flow ofelectricity to mitigate an unsafe condition before sustained electricalarcing occurs.

ADVANTAGES OVER PRIOR ART

The following summarizes advantages of the present invention over priorart. 1) The present invention provides means to utilize the ohmicheating phenomena which is symptomatic of progression leading to anelectrical arc fault at a higher temperature; 2) can be added duringmanufacturing of the connector; 3) can be plugged-in during installationof connectivity; 4) can be added after the connectivity is installed toprovide protection to existing systems; 5) has no electronic circuitwhich could fail; 6) has no electrical or mechanical contacts that makeand break the connection; 7) can be embodied to cause disruption andeliminate further risk; 8) is easy to install or integrate into theconnectivity. 9) is immune to producing false alarms due to naturallyoccurring RF emissions; 10) operates before there is a significantprecursor change in voltage or current produced by an arc event; 11) isable to operate when repeated hot/cold cycles result in very low ampereelectrical discharges across a sub-millimeter sized gap at joints withinthe connectivity component such as due to a factory defect in theconnectivity component; or an installer does not make a properconnection causing a gap in the joint small enough to cause aself-extinguishing discharge which will subsequently result in an arcfault with associated high-temperature plasma energy.

The present invention differentiates from electrical arc faultprotection devices that operate by detecting noise, radio frequency,light of plasma, or electromagnetic emissions of a discharge. Thepresent invention also differentiates from electrical arc faultprotection devices that operate by thermomorphic principles andthermokinetic principles to detect heat of an active arc or a fire.Additionally, such existing means are not-proactive.

The present invention differentiates from prior art in that it detectsan electrical arc-fault by utilizing the thermovolumetric forcegenerated by the heat associated with the hazardous condition tosubsequently disrupt the flow.

The present invention omits the need for electronic modules and sensorsused to recognize the artifacts of a live electrical arc fault, such asa flash of plasma, radio frequency emissions, current rise, orsimultaneous voltage drop.

An advantage exists over thermal pellet-based thermal fuse designs inthat thermal pellet based designs require a high degree of structuralintegrity from the thermal pellet as the thermal pellet acts as astructural barrier during normal operation of a thermal fuse.Furthermore, thermal fuses are produced for relatively low operatingcurrent and voltage. No indication is visible when a thermal fuse hasactivated, making troubleshooting more cumbersome.

The present invention has an advantage over designs which containsprings. Springs apply a constant force to the walls and componentswithin the body of a design. Spring-based devices require higherstructural integrity and the spring can also act as a pathway forelectricity to flow in the event of a severe arc fault. Elevatedtemperature conditions can further affect the lifetime of springcontaining devices as the structural integrity of a spring containingbody is significantly reduced at regional hot weather temperatures.

For a disruptor, many advantages exist over the prior art in that manyof the previously listed devices are classified as actuators. Actuatorscan have an open and closed position, or can be used for precisepositioning. In this sense, actuators are considered to be reversiblebecause they can be used to return to their original positions.Reciprocable or reciprocating actuators are designed to open and closefrequently and reliably. Applications which use reciprocable actuatorshave the need to switch directions of motion. A thermoexpansivedisruptor only ever needs to cause motion a singular time in onedirection. For use as a safety device in arc-fault hazards, anon-reversible disruptor prevents reconnection of a connectivity whileensuring tampering with the device will not result in a hazard.

Thermal fuses, which are designed to cause a break in an electricalcircuit, employ the use of metallic springs coupled tothermally-sensitive materials. The nature of a thermal fuse requiresthat an included spring be under constant tension or compression.Activation of a thermal fuse occurs when the thermally-sensitivematerial degrades and is allowed to structurally deform. The structuralchanges in the thermally-sensitive material allow for the motion of themetallic spring into a lower-energy position. Thermal fuses areirreversible single-use devices where the metallic spring is unable tobe reset to a zero position. Conventional thermal fuses are designed forlow-power applications where there is little risk of an arc-faultoccurring. Because of the number of metallic components in a thermalfuse, arcing is more likely to occur, using the metallic springs asconducting pathways. Being fully enclosed and sealed devices, thermalfuses have no indication that a break in an electrical circuit hasoccurred.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application teaches a protection apparatus that utilizes athermovolumetric expansion force as a means for improving the safety ofelectrical, chemical, and other distribution systems from the damage andhazard that is unrecognized by ordinary means, and which will eventuallyresult in an electrical arc with resulting fire, electrical shock, orhazard to life. The focus herein is on applying the protection apparatusto associated connectivity wherein thermovolumetric force mitigates therisk of a future arc fault, enabling mitigation of the condition beforethe unsafe event occurs.

The present application describes use of a thermovolumetric expansionforce due to temperature change, while enables isolation of unsafeconditions in virtually any system connectivity component.

As an example, the degree of heat generated by flow of electricity in asystem is represented by the relationship OhmicEnergy=Current*Resistance (E=I*R). The relationship means that eitherincreased resistance or increased current would eventually result in aDC arc with the hazards.

While the present specification uses the example of photovoltaic balanceof system connectors to teach the principles, a person familiar withelectrical systems would realize that connectivity devices arecomponents found in pipelines that conduct gasses, petroleum, and sundrychemicals as well as conduits and electrical systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cutaway assembly drawing with four sub-drawings that depictan embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment wherein the connectivity is enlarged toaccommodate greater expansion distances.

FIG. 2C depicts two sections of the connectivity in a separated cutawayview with a thermovolumetric substance within a cavity between an outersleeve and an inner column.

FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment wherein the embodiment shown in FIG. 2is augmented with a number of components forming a mechanism to preventreconnection of the connectivity after disconnection occurs.

FIG. 3A depicts an isometric view of an assembled connectivity disruptorcontaining a thermovolumetric substance.

FIG. 3B depicts a cutaway perspective view of a connectivity disruptordesign containing a thermovolumetric substance contained within a cavitybetween an outer sleeve and an inner column, sealed on one end by a capand plugged at the opposite end by a sliding ring barrier sealed againstthe outer sleeve and inner column by O-rings.

FIG. 3C depicts a cutaway perspective of a connectivity disruptorcontaining a thermovolumetric substance contained within a cavitybetween an outer sleeve and an inner column after volumetric expansionof the thermovolumetric substance has occurred causing disconnection ofthe connectivity.

FIG. 3D depicts an exploded view of an isometric perspective of theconnectivity design in which the threaded collar and retaining ring areadded to the connector design.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway assembly drawing of another exemplary embodiment.FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4B depicts an exploded cross-sectioned diagram with an offsetthermovolumetric substance internal to the connectivity disruptorconstruction.

FIG. 4C depicts a cross-sectional view of the offset thermovolumetricsubstance connectivity design while it is in its fully-assembled state.

FIG. 4D depicts a cross-sectional view of the offset thermovolumetricsubstance connectivity design while it is in its actuated state.

FIG. 4E depicts a cross-sectional view of the separated offsetthermovolumetric substance design.

FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment wherein the component is outfittedwith yet another design of retaining ring.

FIG. 5B depicts a cross-sectional view of an assembled connectivitydesign in which the thermovolumetric substance is held within a regioncreated by assemblage of a reservoir piece and a ring barrier housing.

FIG. 5C depicts a cross-sectional view of a connectivity design in whichthe thermovolumetric substance is held within a region created byassemblage of a reservoir piece and a ring barrier housing.

FIG. 5D depicts a cross sectional view of a connectivity design in whichthe thermovolumetric substance is held within a region created byassemblage of a reservoir piece and a ring barrier housing in which theconnectivity has been separated into two components (the top twosections depicted) and two component groups (the bottom two sectionsdepicted).

5E depicts an exploded cross-sectional view of a connectivity design inwhich the thermovolumetric substance is held within a region created byassemblage of a reservoir piece and a ring barrier housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONS

Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the followingdetailed description and accompanying drawings. Each drawing teaches howto implement the techniques and/or components to affect the purposes ofthis patent.

FIG. 1 is a cutaway assembly drawing with four sub-drawings that depictan embodiment of the current invention. FIG. 1A depicts a cutaway viewof a fully assembled connectivity design where a thermovolumetricsubstance is enclosed within the connectivity body. The image teacheshow the components of the connectivity will be arranged when fullyassembled. A total of five components are used in the assembly of thisconnectivity design. Two components comprise the main body of theconnectivity, two components act as sealing mechanisms, while the finalcomponent is the thermovolumetric substance that expands upon heating.The dimension ‘Y’ represents the displacement distance which thethermovolumetric substance will cause the upper portion of theconnectivity to undergo during heating causing disconnection of theconnectivity. A hollow cylindrical cavity is present in the center ofthis connectivity design and is marked by a dashed line. In a completedconnectivity design, this hollow cavity would be the location in whichthe conductive guides are placed within the connectivity. FIG. 1Bdepicts a cutaway view of a fully pieced-together connectivity designafter expansion of the thermovolumetric substance has occurred causingdisconnection of the connectivity. The image teaches how the positionsof the connectivity components will change in response to expansion ofthe thermovolumetric substance. The hollow cylindrical cavity, which ismarked by dashed lines in the figure, has been separated into twoseparate locations. This is to show that in a completed connectivitydesign, the conductive guides within the connectivity would be separatedinto two isolated components, thereby preventing conduction within theconnectivity. FIG. 1C depicts a view of the connectivity in which theconnectivity has been separated into two distinct component groups asthey would be arranged before assembly of the connectivity. The firstcomponent group, which is shown in FIG. 1C to be located above thesecond component group, is comprised of an end cap to which an outerO-ring is affixed within a groove at the lowermost portion of the endcap. A hollow cavity is present at the center of the end cap and ismarked by a dashed line. This hollow cavity marks where a segment of theconductive guide would be located within the connectivity componentgroup before assemblage of the connectivity has occurred. The secondcomponent group is comprised of a reservoir piece that holds thethermovolumetric substance within a ring-shaped cavity surrounding aninner hollow cavity. This hollow cavity is marked with a dashed line andrepresents the location where the remainder of the conductive guidewould be located in the second component group before assemblage of theconnectivity has occurred. An inner O-ring is located at the uppermostportion of the reservoir piece and is affixed within a groove set withinthe inner boundary of the ring-shaped cavity. FIG. 1D depicts anexploded isometric view of this version of the connectivity. This figureshows the overall design of the individual components and provides aguide for how the components would be sized relative to one another andthe order in which they would be arranged during assembly of theconnectivity.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment wherein the connectivity is enlarged toaccommodate greater expansion distances and designed so that it could bemore easily be fabricated. It is a cutaway assembly drawing with toursub-drawings. HG. 2A depicts a cutaway perspective view of anotherversion of an embodiment in which a thermovolumetric substance iscontained within a cavity inside the connectivity. In this design,instead of being a continuous part, the reservoir piece has been dividedinto three components in order to simplify production of the individualconnectivity components. The overall size of this design is alsosignificantly larger than the design depicted in FIGS. 1 (A, B, C, andD) in order to accommodate a larger volume of the thermovolumetricsubstance. This design contains a hollow internal cavity that passesthrough three of the connectivity components. These hollow cavities aremarked by a dashed line and represent the location that the conductiveguide would be placed within the completed connectivity design. Thisdesign makes use of two O-rings to provide a sliding seal at one end ofthe chamber within the connectivity that contains the thermovolumetricsubstance. These O-rings create seals between the end cap and the outersleeve and between the end cap and the inner column. FIG. 2B depicts twosections of the connectivity in a separated cutaway view containing athermovolumetric substance within a cavity between an outer sleeve andan inner column after expansion of the volumetric substance has occurredcausing disconnection of the connectivity. The image teaches how thepositions of the connectivity components will change in response toexpansion of the thermovolumetric substance. The hollow cylindricalcavity has been separated into two separate locations which are markedby dashed lines in the figure. This is to show that in a completedconnectivity design the conductive guide within the connectivity wouldbe separated into two isolated components thereby preventing conductionwithin the connectivity. FIG. 2C depicts two sections of theconnectivity in a separated cutaway view with a thermovolumetricsubstance within a cavity between an outer sleeve and an inner column.This figure depicts the connectivity separated into two component groupsas they would be arranged before assembly of the connectivity. Duringassemblage of the connectivity, the two component groups of theconnectivity are fitted together such that a conductive guide passesthrough the region noted by the dashed lines. During heating andsubsequent expansion of the thermovolumetric substance, the same twocomponent groups of the connectivity will be caused to separate due tohydraulic pressure and thus cause disconnection of the connectivity.FIG. 2D teaches the basic components of the connectivity using anexploded cutaway view. This figure shows the overall design of theindividual components and provides a guide for how the components wouldbe sized relative to one another and the order in which they would bearranged during assembly of the connectivity.

FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment wherein the embodiment shown in FIG. 2is augmented with a number of components forming a mechanism to preventreconnection of the connectivity after disconnection occurs. In thisdesign, the end cap component seen in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 isseparated into two components to allow for connection and disconnectionof the conductive guide components housed within the stopper and theinner column while the thermovolumetric substance remains in a fullysealed state within the other connectivity components. FIG. 3 is acutaway assembly drawing of the embodiment with five sub-drawings. FIG.3A depicts an isometric view of an assembled connectivity disruptorcontaining a thermovolumetric substance. This design is outfitted with aretaining ring and threaded collar to allow for one-way actuation uponexpansion of the thermovolumetric substance contained within theconnector. FIG. 3B depicts a cutaway perspective view of a connectivitydisruptor design containing a thermovolumetric substance containedwithin a cavity between an outer sleeve and an inner column, sealed onone end by a cap and plugged at the opposite end by a sliding ringbarrier sealed against the outer sleeve and inner column by O-rings. Thedashed line at the center of the figure marks the region through which aconductive guide would pass. The connectivity disruptor in this figureis outfitted with a threaded collar attached to the outer wall of thedevice to which a retaining cap has been secured. A magnified view ofthe interface between the retaining ring, and the angled portion of thestopper can also be seen in this figure. FIG. 3C depicts a cutawayperspective of a connectivity disruptor containing a thermovolumetricsubstance contained within a cavity between an outer sleeve and an innercolumn after volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance hasoccurred causing disconnection of the connectivity. The figure teacheshow the positions of the connectivity components will change in responseto expansion of the thermovolumetric substance. The hollow cylindricalcavity has been separated into two separate locations which are markedby dashed lines in the figure. This is to show that in a completedconnectivity design, the conductive guide within the connectivity wouldbe separated into two isolated components thereby preventing conductionwithin the connectivity. This figure also teaches how reconnection ofthe connectivity would be prevented after disconnection has occurred.Once volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance has causedthe stopper component to be forced through the retaining ring, thedesign of the stopper and the retaining ring is such that the stoppercannot be forced through the retaining ring in the direction oppositewhich it was forced by the thermovolumetric substance. FIG. 3D depictsan exploded view of an isometric perspective of the connectivity designin which the threaded collar and retaining ring are added to theconnector design. The figure depicts how the assorted parts align withone another and are proportionally sized compared to one another toallow for assembly of the connectivity. FIG. 3E is a separated isometricview of the connectivity embodiment that employs a retaining ring thatattaches to a threaded collar. During axial expansion of thethermovolumetric substance, the attachment of the retaining ring to thelower component housing produces one-way actuation of the stopper andsubsequently permanent disconnection of the connectivity when thestopper is forced through the retaining clips attached to the retainingring. The depicted disruptor connector embodiment comprises: 1) a lowerhousing containing the thermovolumetric substance and part of theconductive guide through the connector; 2) a sliding ring barrier thatsits in the lower body and is acted upon by force of expansion of thethermovolumetric substance to cause actuation; 3) a stopper that isshaped so that linear actuation of the sliding ring barrier results inthe stopper being forced through the retaining ring; 4) a retaining ringthat threads onto the lower housing of the connectivity. The stopper inthe design would house the remainder of the conductive guide through theconnector that is not contained within the lower housing. The shape ofthe retaining ring component is such that it prevents the stopper fromreturning to its original position after actuation has occurred.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway assembly drawing of another exemplary embodiment.FIG. 4A depicts an exploded isometric diagram of alternate conceptualdesign for the connectivity disruptor in which the thermovolumetricsubstance is located offset from the conductive guide instead ofsurrounding the conductive guide. In this example, the connectivitydisruptor is comprised of a threaded connection piece which screws intoan assembly in which the thermovolumetric substance is placed prior tothe attachment of the threaded piece, and a piston connection piecewhich acts as the component of the design that would be actuated byvolumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance. In this design,part of the conductive guide would be contained within the joinedthreaded connection piece and central housing while the remainder of theconductive guide would be contained within the piston connection piece.FIG. 4B depicts an exploded cross-sectioned diagram with an offsetthermovolumetric substance internal to the connectivity disruptorconstruction. The connectivity disruptor embodiment is comprised of 1) athreaded connection piece which screws into a middle housing sealing thevolumetric substance; 2) a central housing in which the thermovolumetricsubstance is placed prior to the attachment of the threaded piece; and3) a piston connection piece which acts as the component of the designthat would be actuated by volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetricsubstance. In this embodiment, the thermovolumetric substance is securedwithin a cavity formed by the joining of the threaded connection pieceto the central housing. The piston connection piece is designed suchthat the piston portion of the component is sized properly to fit withinthe piston cavity of the central housing. An O-ring secured in a grooveon said piston acts to fully seal the thermovolumetric substance withinthe central housing cavity before and after thermovolumetric expansionof the thermovolumetric substance. Before thermovolumetric expansion ofthe thermovolumetric substance the conductive guide components whichwould be housed within the hollow cavities in the threaded connectionpiece, the central housing, and the piston connection piece would bejoined together so that a conductive state exists within theconnectivity. After expansion of the thermovolumetric substance, thepiston connection piece is forced out of its original position withinthe central housing by the hydraulic force exerted by thethermovolumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance. Thisresults in separation of the conductive guide components housed withinthe hollow cavity regions in the threaded connection piece, the centralhousing, and the piston connection piece resulting in disruption of theconductive state which exists prior to thermovolumetric expansion of thethermovolumetric substance. FIG. 4C depicts a cross-sectional view ofthe offset thermovolumetric substance connectivity design while it is inits fully-assembled state. When fully-assembled, the thermovolumetricsubstance is sealed within a cavity inside the middle housing that issealed at one end by the threaded connection piece and at the oppositeend by the insertion of the piston component into the central housing. Aseal is created between the piston component and the central housing bythe presence of an O-ring set into a groove on the end of the pistoncomponent shown closest to the thermovolumetric substance. The dashedline along the offset pathway at the top of the figure marks the regionthrough which a conductive guide would pass. FIG. 4D depicts across-sectional view of the offset thermovolumetric substanceconnectivity design while it is in its actuated state. The figureteaches how the positions of the connectivity components will change inresponse to expansion of the thermovolumetric substance. The hollowcylindrical cavity has been separated into two separate locations whichare marked by dashed lines in the figure. The dashed lines are used toshow that in a completed connectivity design, the conductive guidewithin the connectivity would be separated into two isolated componentsthereby preventing conduction within the connectivity. FIG. 4E depicts across-sectional view of the separated offset thermovolumetric substancedesign. This figure depicts the configuration of the components of thedesign upon separation due to heating and subsequent expansion of thethermovolumetric substance. In this configuration, the connectivity isseparated into two component groups, the group on the left of the figurecomprised by the threaded connection piece which remains affixed to themiddle housing and the group on the right of the figure comprised of thepiston connection piece and the O-ring that would have acted to seal thethermovolumetric substance within the middle housing cavity during theseparation process. The dashed lines along the offset pathway at the topof the figure mark the regions through which a conductive guide wouldpass and how the conductive guide would be separated after actuation hasoccurred.

FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment wherein the component is outfittedwith yet another design of retaining ring. It is a cutaway assemblydrawing with five sub-drawings. FIG. 5A depicts an isometric view of anassembled connectivity design containing a thermovolumetric substance.The component is outfitted with a different design of retaining ringthat allows for one-way movement of the stopper component to occur viainternal retaining clips (not pictured in figure) and also retains thestopper within the retaining ring after actuation via expansion of thethermovolumetric substance has occurred. FIG. 5B depicts across-sectional view of an assembled connectivity design in which thethermovolumetric substance is held within a region created by assemblageof a reservoir piece and a ring barrier housing. In this design, alarger volume of a thermovolumetric substance can be contained withinthe connectivity thus allowing for higher actuation distances of thesliding ring barrier to be achieved. In this design, the sliding ringbarrier is contained within the ring barrier housing and has an outerO-ring mounted in a groove along the outer edge of the sliding ringbarrier nearest the thermovolumetric substance that creates a sealbetween the sliding ring barrier and the ring barrier housing. An innerO-ring is located in a groove at the end of the reservoir piece furthestfrom the thermovolumetric substance. This inner O-ring creates a sealbetween the reservoir piece and the sliding ring barrier. An alternatemodel of retaining ring that allows for retention of the stoppercomponent after actuation has occurred is included in this design. Theretaining ring is secured onto the ring barrier housing. The stoppercomponent in this design is modified such that it has guide fins thatcause it to remain centered within the retaining ring during motionresulting from actuation of the thermovolumetric substance. Retainingclips within the retaining ring would act to hold the stopper within theretaining ring after the desired actuation distance (Y) has beenachieved. FIG. 5C depicts a cross-sectional view of a connectivitydesign in which the thermovolumetric substance is held within a regioncreated by assemblage of a reservoir piece and a ring barrier housing.This figure shows the configuration of the connectivity after volumetricexpansion of the thermovolumetric substance has occurred resulting inactuation of the sliding ring barrier and thus actuation of the stopperinto the retaining ring. It can be seen in this figure that volumetricexpansion of the thermovolumetric substance has resulted in it expandinginto the region between the ring barrier housing and the inner portionof the reservoir piece. In this figure, the stopper has been moved intothe retaining ring past the retaining clips and thus contained insidethe retaining ring between the retaining clips and the shell of theretaining ring. FIG. 5D depicts a cross sectional view of a connectivitydesign in which the thermovolumetric substance is held within a regioncreated by assemblage of a reservoir piece and a ring barrier housing inwhich the connectivity has been separated into two components (the toptwo sections depicted) and two component groups (the bottom two sectionsdepicted). The top component is the retaining ring with retaining ringclips, the second component is the stopper with guide fins, and thethird section is a component group comprised of the sliding ring barrierand the outer O-ring, while the bottom section is a second componentgroup comprised of the reservoir piece, the thermovolumetric substance,the ring barrier housing, and the inner O-ring. FIG. 5E depicts anexploded cross-sectional view of a connectivity design in which thethermovolumetric substance is held within a region created by assemblageof a reservoir piece and a ring barrier housing. An alternate model ofretaining ring that allows for retention of the stopper component afteractuation has occurred is included in this design. The figure depictshow the assorted parts align with one another and are proportionallysized compared to one another to allow for assembly of the connectivity.

REFERENCE TO NUMERALS USED IN DRAWINGS

(1) End cap

(2) Reservoir piece

(3) Timer O-ring

(4) Outer O-ring

(5) Thermovolumetric substance

(6) Hollow cavity

(7) Outer sleeve

(8) Inner column

(9) End barrier

(10) Sliding ring barrier

(11) Stopper

(12) Retaining ring

(13) Threaded collar

(14) Threaded connection piece

(15) Central cavity housing

(16) Piston connection piece

(17) O-ring

(18) Ring barrier housing

(19) Retaining ring clips

(20) Guide fins

Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1A depicts a thermovolumetric substance(5) inside of a reservoir piece (2) will expand by a distance notated by(Y). Within the reservoir piece (2) is a hollow cavity (6) into whichcomponents of a conductive guide will be placed. Upon ohmic heating,which occurs inside of the hollow cavity (6) or even outside of theconnectivity disruptor embodiment as a whole, the thermovolumetricsubstance (5) undergoes volumetric expansion producing a hydraulic forcethat causes separation of the end cap (1) and the reservoir piece (2).As thermovolumetric substances may be in the form of liquids or mayconvert into a liquid state upon heating, an inner O-ring (3) and anouter O-ring (4) are used as sealing mechanisms for the thermovolumetricsubstance (5) in order to ensure that leakages do not occur. Should asolid material be used in place of a liquid thermovolumetric material,the O-rings would be unnecessary.

Still referring to the connectivity disruptor embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, FIG. 1B displays the connectivity disruptor embodiment afterheating of the thermovolumetric substance (5) has caused its volumetricexpansion resulting in separation of the end cap (1) and the reservoirpiece (2). In this state, the hollow cavity (6) has been caused toseparate into two distinct regions. In a completed connectivitydisruptor embodiment design, such a separation would have resulted inseparation of the conductive guide through the connectivity, thuscausing disconnection of the connectivity. The thermovolumetricexpansion of the thermovolumetric substance (5) results in thegeneration of a hydraulic force within the connectivity. In order toprevent a reduction of said hydraulic force via leakage of thethermovolumetric substance (5) out of the connectivity in the event thatthe thermovolumetric substance (5) is a liquid or undergoes a phasetransformation into a liquid state, an inner O-ring (3) is used to sealthe reservoir piece (2) against the inner surface of the end cap (1) andan outer O-ring (4) is used to seal the reservoir piece (2) against theouter surface of the end cap (1).

Again referring to the embodiment in FIG. 1, FIG. 1C shows the componentbefore assemblage of the connectivity has occurred, the connectivitydisruptor embodiment can be seen as being comprised as two componentgroups. The first component group is comprised of the end cap (1) andthe outer O-ring (4). This component group would provide a housing for aportion of the conductive guide through the assembled connectivity. Theconductive guide component housed in this component group would residein the hollow cavities (6) marked with a dashed line in the figureinside the end cap (1). The second component group is comprised of thereservoir piece (2) the inner O-ring (3) and the thermovolumetricsubstance (5). This component group would provide a housing for theremainder of the conductive guide through the connectivity. Theconductive guide component housed in this component group would residein the hollow cavities (6) marked with a dashed line inside thereservoir piece (2). Upon joining of the first and second componentgroups, the first component group's insertion into the lower componentgroup creates a tight but slidable seal that retains thethermovolumetric substance (5) within the connectivity before and duringthermovolumetric expansion.

Yet again referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1D depicts the connectivitydisruptor embodiment components placed in an exploded isometric view,where the end cap (1) and the reservoir piece (2) are seen to possesshollow cavities (6) that align with one another in the design to providea region through which a conductive guide would pass through theconnectivity. The reservoir piece (2) requires the placement of thethermovolumetric substance (5) into the reservoir piece (2) beforeassembly of the connectivity. In order to assure retention of thethermovolumetric substance (5) within the connectivity both prior to andduring thermovolumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance (5)an inner O-ring (3) is used to seal the inner surface of the end cap (1)against the reservoir piece (2) and an outer O-ring (4) is used to sealthe outer surface of the end cap (1) against the reservoir piece (2).

Referring now to FIG. 2 which depicts an alternate embodiment; FIG. 2Adepicts a thermovolumetric substance (5) which is sized to that of thecavity that exists in the region between an outer sleeve (7) and aninner column (8) such that it fully fills the region to allow for aminimized air gap between the thermovolumetric substance (5) and an endcap (1). The thermovolumetric substance (5) fully surrounds the innercolumn (8). The region containing the thermovolumetric substance issealed via a permanently affixed end barrier (9) at the left end of theconnectivity disruptor embodiment and with an inner O-ring (3) and anouter O-ring (4) at the right end of the connectivity that seal the endcap (1) against the outer sleeve (7) and the inner column (8). The innerO-ring (3) sits in a groove on the inner column (8) and compressesagainst the inner surface of the end cap (1) at the right end of theouter sleeve (7), while the outer O-ring (4) sits in a groove on theouter surface of said end cap (1) and compresses against the outersleeve (7). A hydraulic force generated by a volumetric expansion of thethermovolumetric substance (5) within the cavity that exists in theregion between the outer sleeve (7) and the inner column (8) which wouldcause the end cap (1) at the right end of the connectivity to be forcedout of the outer sleeve (7), thereby causing a linear actuation adistance (Y). In the completed connector design, a conductive guidewould be contained within the connectivity in a hollow cavity (6) markedin the figure by a dashed line. Part of this conductive guide would becontained in the hollow cavity (6) inside the end cap (1) while theremainder of the conductive guide would be placed within the hollowcavity (6) that passes through the inner column (8) and an end barrier(9). The actuation of the end cap (1) by volumetric expansion of thethermovolumetric substance would thereby cause a disconnection of theconnectivity by separating the components of the conducting guide withinthe connectivity a distance Y.

Still referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2B shows the assemblage wherein thethermovolumetric substance (5) has expanded as a result of heating. Thethermovolumetric substance (5) has undergone a volumetric expansionwithin the hollow cavity (6) that exists in the region between the outersleeve (7) and the inner column (8). This results in creation ofhydraulic pressure due to the hollow cavity (6) between the outer sleeve(7) and the inner column (8) being sealed at the left end by thepermanently affixed end barrier (9) and on the right end by the end cap(1) which is sealed against the inner column (8) by the inner O-ring (3)and against the outer sleeve (7) by the outer O-ring (4). This hydraulicpressure causes the end cap to be forced out of the region between theouter sleeve (7) and the inner column (8) resulting in separation of thehollow cavity (6) from one continuous cavity into two separate cavities.In the completed connector design, the conductive guide would beinstalled in these two separate hollow cavities in such a way that acontinuous conductive guide exists before actuation of the connectivityoccurs. After actuation occurs, this conductive guide would be separatedinto two segments, thus preventing conduction. This would be the stateof disconnection of the connectivity disruptor embodiment depicted inFIG. 2B.

Again referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2C depicts the connectivity disruptorembodiment as a whole being comprised of two component groups. Thesecomponent groups are forced apart during the thermally inducedvolumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance housed in theregion between the outer sleeve (7) and the inner column (8). The firstcomponent group is seen on the left of the figure and is comprised ofthe end barrier (9) which is permanently affixed to the outer sleeve (7)and the inner column (8), the inner O-ring which is set in a groove thatis at the rightmost end of the inner column (8), and thethermovolumetric substance (5) which is placed in the region that existsbetween the outer sleeve (7) and the inner column (8). The hollow cavity(6), marked by a dashed line in the first component group, marks theregion through which part of the conductive guide would be locatedwithin the connectivity. The second component group seen on the rightside of the figure is comprised of the end cap (1) and the outer O-ring(4) which is set in a groove located on the leftmost outer edge of theend cap (1). A hollow cavity (6) marked by a dashed line in the secondcomponent group marks the region through which the remainder of theconductive guide would be located within the connectivity. Upon assemblyof the two component groups, the second component group forms a seal onthe rightmost portion of the first component group causing encapsulationof the thermovolumetric substance (5) within the connectivity.Simultaneously, the assembly of the two component groups would cause acompletion of the conductive guide segments housed in each componentgroup, thereby causing a conductive state to exist within theconnectivity. Upon volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetricsubstance (5) the two component groups would be forced apart causingseparation of the segments of the conductive guide housed in each of thecomponent groups thereby causing disconnection of the connectivity.

Again referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2D is a cross-sectioned exploded view ofthe connectivity disruptor embodiment. The proportions of the assortedcomponents in regard to one another can be observed. The order in whichthe components of the connectivity would need to be assembled in orderto form a complete connectivity can also be seen in FIG. 2D. Thisembodiment of the connectivity disruptor is comprised of sevencompounds. These components include an end cap (1) which contains ahollow cavity (6) marked with a dashed line through the end cap (1), aninner O-ring (3) an outer O-ring (4) a hollow cylindrical column of athermovolumetric substance (5), an outer sleeve (7) an inner column (8)which contains a hollow cavity (6) marked with a dashed line through theinner column (8), and an end barrier (9) which also contains a hollowcavity (6) marked with a dashed line through the end cap (9).

Referring now to FIG. 3, FIG. 3A is an isometric view of an assembledconnectivity disruptor embodiment in which the design observed in FIG. 2is augmented with a retaining ring (12) with retaining ring clips (19)and stopper (11) to prevent reconnection of the connectivity afterdisconnection of the conductive guide contained within the connectivity.In this view of the connectivity, a hollow cavity (6) for the portion ofthe conductive guide housed inside a stopper (11) can be seen. The mainbody of the connectivity is comprised of an outer sleeve (7) that ispermanently affixed to an end barrier (9). The retaining ring (12)screws onto a threaded collar (13) (not pictured) that is permanentlyaffixed to the outer sleeve (7).

Referring again to FIG. 3, FIG. 3B shows the thermovolumetric substance(5) sized to that of the region that exists between the outer sleeve (7)and an inner column (8) with an overall length dictated by the distancebetween the end barrier (9) and a sliding ring barrier (10). This regionis sealed at the lower end by the end barrier (9) and at the upper endby the sliding ring barrier (10). The sliding ring barrier (10) issealed by an inner O-ring (3) against the inner column (8) and an outerO-ring (4) against the outer sleeve (7) such that the thermovolumetricsubstance (5) is fully sealed within the region that exists between theouter sleeve (7) and the inner column (8). The hollow cavity (6) markedwith the dashed line inside the inner column (8) and the stopper (11)would contain conductive guide components allowing for conduction tooccur within the connectivity. The hydraulic force generated by thevolumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance (5) within theregion that exists between the outer sleeve (7) and the inner column (8)would cause the sliding ring barrier (10) at the upper end of theconnectivity disruptor embodiment to be forced out of the outer sleeve(7) a distance Y, thereby causing a linear actuation of the stopper (11)and subsequently disconnection of the connectivity. When disconnectionof the connectivity occurs, the hollow cavity (6) would be separatedinto two separate hollow cavities (6). One hollow cavity (6) inside thestopper (11) containing part of the conductive guide components, theother hollow cavity (6) inside the inner column (8) containing theremainder of the conductive guide components. Separation of theconductive guide components within the two hollow cavities (6) resultsin a condition in which conductivity is disrupted within theconnectivity. In this design, such an actuation of the sliding ringbarrier (10) would result in said sliding ring barrier (10) imparting aforce on the stopper (11), which is held between the retaining ring (12)and a threaded collar (13) affixed to the outer sleeve (7). Theretaining ring (12) in this design is affixed onto the threaded collar(13). A detachable retaining ring (12) could be attached via any numberof connecting mechanisms, such as, but not limited to: clips, screws, orpegs which fit into or clip onto the threaded collar (13) or a similarcollar design that would allow for different connection mechanisms. Theretaining ring (12) in this design is such that it possesses retainingring clips (19) that prevent reconnection of the connectivity disruptorafter disconnection has occurred.

Still referring to 3B, the magnified region has a retaining ring (12)which is designed such that the sloped walls of the stopper (11) possessa wider diameter than the uppermost portion of the retaining ring (12).Thus, in order for the stopper (11) to pass through the retaining ring(12), the retaining ring clips (19) are forced to deflect away fromtheir original positions. Following the passage of the stopper (11)through the retaining ring (12), the retaining ring clips (19) return totheir original positions thereby regaining their initial diameter. Thedesign of the stopper (11) is such that it is unable to pass backthrough the retaining ring clips (19) after passing through them. Thisis accomplished by the design of the stopper (11) being such that it isnarrower on its upper end and wider at its lower end with a gradualslope change between the two different diameters. Because of this, thenarrow end of the stopper (11) is small enough that it can pass throughthe retaining clips (19) at the top of the retaining ring (12). Theretaining clips (19) are gradually deflected as they slide along thesloped outer surface of the stopper (11). Because the retaining ringclips (19) flex back into the position they possessed before the stopper(11) was forced through the retaining ring (12) after passage of thestopper (11), the stopper (11) is unable to return through the retainingring (12) while in the same orientation it was in when it passed throughthe retaining ring (12). This is because the diameter of the lowerportion of the stopper (11) is wider than the post actuation diameter ofthe retaining ring clips (19). Thus, the retaining ring clips (19) arenot gradually forced apart by the stopper (11) and instead of causingdeflection of the retaining ring clips (19) the stopper (11) impactswith the retaining ring clips (19) preventing its passage through theretaining ring (12).

Still referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3C depicts the hollow cavity (6),located within the inner column (8), the end barrier (9) and the stopper(11) marked in the figure with a dashed line, would contain conductiveguide components to allow for conduction to occur through theconnectivity disruptor embodiment. In practice, when the connectivity isused, a conductive guide component is passed through the retaining ring(12) and attached to the portion of the conductive guide containedwithin the stopper (11). The conducting guide is then completed byinserting the stopper into positon on top of the sliding ring barrier(10) and thus completing the conducting guide through the connectivityby bringing the conductive guide component housed within the stopper(11) into contact with the conductive guide component inside the innercolumn (8). The retaining ring (12) is then secured to the threadedcollar (13) which is permanently affixed to the outer sleeve (7) of theconnectivity. Heating of the thermovolumetric substance (5) causesdisconnection of the conducting guide by causing the conductive guidecomponent contained within the inner column (8) to be separated from theconductive guide component contained within the stopper (11).Furthermore, the stopper (11) is forced through the retaining ring clips(19) thereby preventing future completion of the conducting guide as thestopper (11) is not able to be reinserted through the retaining ring(12). Thus, this version of the connectivity allows for not onlydisconnection upon volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetricsubstance, but it makes this disconnection permanent by preventingreconnection of the conductive guide components within the stopper (11)and the inner column (8). When volumetric expansion of thethermovolumetric substance (5) occurs, a hydraulic force is generatedwithin the connectivity leading to disconnection of the connectivity. Inorder to ensure that said hydraulic force is not lessened due to leakageof the thermovolumetric substance (5) in the event the thermovolumetricsubstance (5) is in a liquid state, an inner O-ring (3) is used to sealthe inner column (8) against the sliding ring barrier (10) and an outerO-ring (4) is used to seal the sliding ring barrier (10) against theouter sleeve (7) of the connectivity.

Referring still to FIG. 3, FIG. 3D is an isometric exploded view of theconnectivity disruptor embodiment augmented with retaining ring (12) andstopper (11) to prevent reconnection of the connectivity afterdisconnection of the conductive guide contained within the connectivity.The proportions of the assorted components in regard to one another canbe observed. The order in which the components of the connectivity wouldneed to be assembled in order to form a complete connectivity can alsobe seen in this figure. This connectivity disruptor embodiment iscomprised of ten components. These components include an inner O-ring(3), an outer O-ring (4), a hollow cylindrical column of athermovolumetric substance (5), an outer sleeve (7), an inner column (8)which contains a hollow cavity (6), an end barrier (9), a sliding ringbarrier (10) a stopper (11) which also contains a hollow cavity (6), aretaining ring (12) with retaining ring clips (19), and a threadedcollar (13).

Referring again to FIG. 3, FIG. 3E is an isometric view of theconnectivity disruptor embodiment augmented with retaining ring (12)containing retaining ring clips (19). A stopper (11) containing a hollowcavity (6) for xxx prevents reconnection of the connectivity afterdisconnection of the conductive guide contained within the connectivity.In this isometric view, the connectivity has been divided into fourcomponents/component groups. The leftmost component group is comprisedof the end barrier (9), the inner column (8) which contains a hollowcavity (6), the outer sleeve (7), the threaded collar (13), the innerO-ring (3) and the thermovolumetric substance (5) (not shown). To theright of the leftmost component group is the second component groupcomprised of the outer O-ring (4) and the sliding ring barrier (10). Tothe right of the second component group is the stopper (11) and to theright of the stopper (11) is the retaining ring (12). Upon assemblage ofthe two component groups, the second component group seals thethermovolumetric substance (5) (not shown) within the region that existsbetween the outer sleeve (7) and the inner column (8) of the firstcomponent group. The stopper (11) can then be brought in contact withthe right side of the merged component groups thereby completing theconductive guide through the connectivity. This is depicted in FIG. 3Eby the two hollow cavities (6) within the stopper (11) and the firstcomponent group that in a complete connectivity would house thecomponents of the conductive guide. The retaining ring (12) could thenbe affixed to the threaded collar (13) attached to the outer sleeve (7)thereby both affixing the stopper (11) to the joined component groupsand acting as a one-way mechanical stop to prevent the stopper (11) fromreconnecting the connectivity after disconnection has occurred.

Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4A shows an exploded isometric view of analternative connectivity disruptor embodiment in which athermovolumetric substance (5) is offset from a hollow cavity (6) Thisembodiment is comprised of five components: a threaded connection piece(14), a central cavity housing (15), a piston connection piece (16), athermovolumetric substance (5) and an O-ring (17). In this design, thethermovolumetric substance (5) is sealed within a cavity inside thecentral cavity housing (15). This chamber within the central cavityhousing (15) is sealed on its threaded end (not visible) by the threadedconnection piece (14) that threads into the central cavity housing (15).The chamber within the central cavity housing (15) is sealed on thethreaded end of the central cavity housing (15) by the piston connectionpiece (16) that is inserted into the central cavity housing (15). Thepiston connection piece (16) is sealed against the chamber holding thethermovolumetric substance (5) inside the central cavity housing (15) bythe O-ring (17) that rests in a groove on the piston connection piece(16). In this alternate connectivity design, the hollow cavity (6) atthe top of the piston connection piece (16) would house one segment ofthe conductive guide while the hollow cavity (6) at the top of thecentral cavity housing (15) and the top of the threaded connection piece(14) would house the remainder of the conductive guide components. Inthis design, installation of the conductive guide component within thecentral cavity housing (15) cannot be performed until thethermovolumetric substance (5) and the threaded connection piece (14)have been installed within and secured to the central cavity housing(15). In this way, removal of or tampering with the thermovolumetricsubstance (5) cannot be performed without causing irreparable damage tothe connectivity.

Still referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4B is an exploded, cross-sectioned viewof the offset conductive guide connectivity disruptor embodiment design.The proportions of the assorted components in regard to one another canbe observed. The order in which the components of the connectivity wouldneed to be assembled in order to form a complete connectivity can alsobe seen in this figure. Three hollow cavities (6) for conductive guidecomponents are visible at the tops of the threaded connection piece(14), the central cavity housing (15) and the piston connection piece(16). In the completed connectivity, the hollow cavity (6), comprised ofthe regions within the threaded connection piece (14) and the centralcavity housing (15), would hold one segment of the conductive guidewhile the remaining segment of the conductive guide would be housedwithin the piston connection piece (16). An O-ring (17) is included inthis design to allow for a seal to be created between the pistonconnection piece (16) and the central cavity housing (15) when theconnectivity is assembled. The Thermovolumetric substance (5) in thisconnectivity disruptor embodiment design is a cylindrical column that isinserted into the central cavity housing (15) when the concavitydisruptor is assembled.

Referring again to FIG. 4, FIG. 4C shows the offset conductive guide ofthe connectivity disruptor embodiment as fully assembled. The continuoushollow cavity (6) at the top of the connectivity is formed. This hollowcavity (6) is marked by a dashed line and represents the region throughwhich the conductive guide would pass through the connectivity when theconnectivity is fully assembled. When fully assembled, thethermovolumetric substance (5) is sealed inside a region within thecentral cavity housing (15). This region is sealed on the left end by athreaded connection piece (14) that attaches directly to the centralcavity housing (15) after insertion of the thermovolumetric substance(5), but before installation of the conductive guide segment within thehollow cavity (6) region created by the hollow cavities (6) of thethreaded connection piece (14) and the central cavity housing (15). Theregion is sealed on the right end by a piston connection piece (16)which is itself sealed against the central cavity housing (15) by anO-ring (17) set into a groove on the leftmost end of the pistonconnection piece (16).

Referring still to 4, FIG. 41) depicts how upon heating, thethermovolumetric substance (5) undergoes volumetric expansion within theregion created by the joining of the threaded connection piece (14) andthe central cavity housing (15) and the piston connection piece (16)inset into the central cavity housing (15) wherein the piston connectionpiece (16) is sealed against the central cavity housing (15) by anO-ring (17). The volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance(5) within the region generates a hydraulic force that causes the pistonconnection piece (16) to be forced from its location within the centralcavity housing (15). This causes the hollow cavity (6) formed by theassemblage of the piston connection piece (16), the central cavityhousing (15) and the threaded connection piece (14) to be separated intotwo distinct regions which are marked by dashed lines. These separatedregions represent the separation of the conductive guide segments afteractuation of the piston connection piece (16) has occurred due to thevolumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance (5). Essentially,this figure represents the disconnected configuration of theconnectivity disruptor embodiment.

Referring yet again to FIG. 4, FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of theoffset conductive guide connectivity disruptor embodiment separated intotwo distinct component groups. The first component group located at theleft side of the figure is comprised of the threaded connection piece(14), the central cavity housing (15), and the thermovolumetricsubstance (5). The second component group located at the right side ofthe figure is comprised of the piston connection piece (16) and anO-ring (17) set into a groove located on the leftmost end of the pistonconnection piece (16). These two component groups illustrate the stateof the connectivity before connection of the connectivity has occurred.When the two component groups are joined, the second component group isinserted within the central cavity housing (15) and acts to seal thethermovolumetric substance (5) within the region formed by the threadedconnection piece (14) and the central cavity housing (15). In addition,the joining of the two component groups causes the hollow cavity (6)regions marked by dashed lines at the tops of the two component groupsto be joined. This joining of the hollow cavity (6) regions representsthe creation of a continuous conductive guide within the connectivitysince, in a complete connectivity, these regions would house conductionguide segments that would be made a continuous conductive guide throughthe connectivity upon joining of the two component groups.

Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5A is an isometric version of anadditional connectivity disruptor embodiment in which the designobserved in FIG. 2 (A, B, C, & D) is augmented with a retaining ring(12) and stopper (11) to prevent reconnection of the connectivity afterdisconnection of the conductive guide contained within the connectivity.The stopper (11) in this design is augmented with guide fins (20) (notshown) that keep the stopper (11) centered within the retaining ring(12). The retaining ring (12) in this design is modified from that seenin FIG. 3 (A, B, C, D, & E) in that the stopper (5) is retained withinthe retaining ring (12) by retaining ring clips (19) after theconnectivity has been heated and the thermally induced disconnection ofthe connectivity has occurred. In this view of the connectivity, ahollow cavity (6) for the portion of the conductive guide housed insidethe stopper is depicted. The main body of the connectivity is comprisedof a permanent joining of a reservoir piece (2) and a ring barrierhousing (18).

Still referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a fullyassembled connectivity disruptor embodiment. In this design, the cavitycontaining the thermovolumetric substance (5) is formed via a permanentjoining of a reservoir piece (2) and a ring barrier housing (18). Inthis design, the sliding ring barrier (10) is contained entirely withinthe ring barrier housing (18) prior to any volumetric expansion of thethermovolumetric substance (5). An inner O-ring (3) that is set in agroove on the end of the reservoir piece (2) seals the sliding ringbarrier (10) against the reservoir piece (2). An outer O-ring (4) thatis set in a groove on the sliding ring barrier (10) seals the slidingring barrier (10) against the ring barrier housing (18). In this design,a modified version of the retaining ring (12) seen in FIG. 2 (A, B, C, &D) is threaded onto the ring barrier housing (18) thereby securing thestopper (11) against the sliding ring barrier (10). This version of theretaining ring (12) is designed to cause the stopper (11) to be trappedwithin the retaining ring (12) after volumetric expansion of thethermovolumetric substance (5) has occurred causing displacement of thesliding ring barrier (10) and subsequent linear actuation of the stopper(11) through the retaining ring clips (19) inside the retaining ring(12). The stopper (11) in this design has been augmented to have guidefins (20) that act to keep the stopper (11) centered within theretaining ring (12) during actuation of the stopper (11). Duringactuation, the stopper (11) is moved a distance (Y) resulting indisconnection of the conductive guide inside the hollow cavity (6)within the connectivity.

Referring again to FIG. 5, FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of aconnectivity disruptor embodiment after volumetric expansion of thethermovolumetric substance (5) has occurred. In this state, thethermovolumetric substance (5) has expanded out of its original positionin the cavity formed by the permanent joining of the reservoir piece (2)and the ring barrier housing (18) and further up into the regionpreviously containing the sliding ring barrier (10). When actuated, aseal is maintained between the ring barrier housing (18) and the slidingring barrier (10) by the presence of the outer O-ring (4) and betweenthe sliding ring barrier (10) and the reservoir piece (2) via the innerO-ring (3). In this state, the volumetric expansion of thethermovolumetric substance (5) has generated a hydraulic force withinthe cavity formed by the permanent joining of the reservoir piece andthe ring barrier housing (18), thereby causing the sliding ring barrier(10) to be moved a distance proportional to the amount of expansionundergone by the thermovolumetric substance (5). The movement of thesliding ring barrier (10) in response to the volumetric expansion of thethermovolumetric substance (5) results in actuation of the stopper (11)past the retaining ring clips (19) inside the retaining ring (12). Thestopper (11) is held centered within the retaining ring (12) at thisstage due to the guide fins (20) on the stopper (11). During passage ofthe stopper (11) past the retaining ring clips (19), the retaining ringclips (19) deform around the stopper (11) and then return to theiroriginal shape after the stopper (11) has passed through them. Thiseffectively traps the stopper (11) within the retaining ring (12)because the return of the retaining clips (19) to their original shapeprevents the stopper (11) from exiting the retaining ring (12) in thereverse of the direction from which it originally passed through theretaining ring clips (19). The movement of the stopper (11) caused bythe volumetric expansion of the thermovolumetric substance (5) resultsin a separation of the conductive guide through the connectivity. Thelocation at which the conductive guide segments would be located in thefigure are marked by dashed lines passing through the two hollowcavities (6). The retention of the stopper (11) within the retainingring (12) after actuation has occurred results in a permanentdisconnection of the connectivity as the conductive guide segmentslocated within the stopper (11) and within the reservoir piece (2) cannever be rejoined.

Referring yet again to FIG. 5, FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of aconnectivity disruptor embodiment that has been separated into twocomponents on the top and two component groups on the bottom. The topcomponent is the retaining ring (12) with retaining ring clips (19). Thesecond component is the stopper (11) with guide fins (20) and a hollowcavity (6). The third section is a component group comprised of thesliding ring barrier (10) and the outer O-ring (4). The second componentgroup in the bottom section is comprised of the reservoir piece (2), thethermovolumetric substance (5), the ring barrier housing (18) and theinner O-ring (3) with a hollow cavity (6). The purpose of this figure isto show the state of the individual components and component groupsprior to assemblage of the connectivity. When assemblage of theconnectivity occurs, the first component group is slid into the secondcomponent group effectively sealing the thermovolumetric substance (5)within the joined component groups. The conductive guide through theconnectivity can then be completed with the joining of the conductiveguide component inside the hollow cavity (6) inside the stopper (11)with the conductive guide component inside the hollow cavity (6) insidethe joined component groups. The retaining ring (12) can then be used torestrain the stopper (11) via the threading of the retaining ring (12)onto the ring barrier housing (18).

Referring still to FIG. 5, FIG. 5E is an exploded cross-sectional viewof a connectivity disruptor embodiment design. The proportions of theassorted components in regard to one another are depicted. Thisembodiment comprises a hollow cavity (6) a reservoir piece (2), an innerO-ring (3), a thermovolumetric substance (5) a ring barrier housing(18), an outer O-ring (4), a sliding ring barrier (10), a stopper (11)with guide fins (20), and a retaining ring (12) with retaining ringclips (19). The order in which the components of the connectivity wouldneed to be assembled in order to form a complete connectivity can alsobe seen in this figure.

The following is a detailed description describing exemplary embodimentsto illustrate the principles of the invention. The embodiments areprovided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention isnot limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention encompassesnumerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents; it is limitedonly by the claims.

Numerous specific details set forth in the figures and descriptions areshown in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention andhow to practice the invention. However, the invention may be practicedaccording to the claims without some or all of these specific details.For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in thetechnical fields related to the invention has not been described indetail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured. For example,a disruptor could be manufactured integral to either a male electricalconnector or a female electrical connector or both. For example, meansto generate the disruptive force may be a mechanical device, or akinetic substance, or a corrosive substance. Also, the thermovolumetricsubstance that produces hydraulic force sufficient to cause autonomousdisruption of connectivity may be a compound comprising one or moreingredients including a substance such as, but not limited to, anessential oil or other means to enhance production of hydraulic energy.A dye or fluorescent substance that disperses during opening of theconnector could be mixed with the thermovolumetric substance to providea visible marker of where a disruption has occurred.

References are cited that provide detailed information about electricalsystems, unsafe conditions of electrical systems, and approvedtechniques for implementing protection systems. However, a person withordinary experience in instrumenting systems would understand theapplication also applies to technology such as but not limited to steamand chemical piping systems.

The embodiments of the invention set forth herein relate to detection,mitigation, and isolation of unsafe connectivity that incorporates thepresent invention for purposes of properly disconnecting the flow ofelectricity within in the connectivity.

In a best embodiment for use with electrical conduits, a connectivitydisruptor assembly comprises an insulating body with a proximal end anda distal end and separable electrically conductive guides in a channelthrough the center of the body. Electrical conductors fit into theelectrically conductive guides via the proximal end and distal ends ofthe insulating body. One or more hollow cavities within the body arefilled with a dielectric thermovolumetric substance chosen for theproperties of significant expansion above a selected temperature, withthe purpose to produce sufficient hydraulic pressure within the chambersof the body to overcome the force of friction, static mechanisms, oradhesive bonding, securing the conductors within the electricallyconductive guides, resulting in physical separation of the connectivitythereby disrupting flow of electrical current. In an alternateembodiment, the force causes movement of the electrically conductiveguide, which frees the connectivity.

In another embodiment for a conduit for safely transporting a particularsubstance, a connectivity disruptor assembly comprises a body with aproximal end and a distal end and separable conductive guides made of asuitable non-reactive substance in a channel through the center of thebody. Entrance and exit conductors fit into the conductive guides viathe proximal end and distal ends of the body. One or more chamberswithin the body are filled with an insulating thermovolumetric substancechosen for the properties of significant expansion above a selectedtemperature, with the purpose to produce sufficient hydraulic pressurewithin the chambers of the body to overcome the force of friction,static mechanisms, or adhesive bonding, securing the conductors withinthe conductive guides, resulting in physical separation of theconnectivity thereby disrupting flow of the particular substance withinthe conduit. In an alternate embodiment, the force causes movement ofthe conductive guide, which frees the connectivity or mitigates byrerouting the particular substance.

A technical contribution for the disclosed protection system is that itprovides for unique autonomous mitigation of unsafe conditions atjunctions of connectivity, such as an electrical system, and properlydisconnecting the unsafe connectivity with hydraulic force before theunsafe condition that, if left unattended, could result in an unsafeevent such as an arc or ground fault (in the case where conduits containboth anode and cathode), and the consequential damages thereto.

Another technical contribution for the disclosed protection system isthat it provides means for containing an insulating thermovolumetricsubstance for quenching a plasma that results when conductors carryingelevated current at a juncture are insufficiently separated with respectto speed of separation or distance of separation. Without limitation,the quench can be accomplished by filling the void formed when theconductor separates.

One exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus thatcomprises at least one disruptor that releases sufficient hydraulicenergy to force separation and unresettably open the circuit when atemperature internal to the connectivity rises to a desired triggerpoint to force open the circuit served by the connectivity to open andremain open when an excessive temperature condition is detected.

In a broad embodiment, the present invention extends to use in otherequipment, which is subject to risk of damage, fire, and loss ofproperty due to external heat such as from a fire or hot liquid, andfrom manufacturing defects.

In a best embodiment, a means for mitigating hazardous events isincluded within the connectivity. This includes but is not limited to afire suppressant, plasma suppressant, electrical insulator, or expandingfoam.

In another embodiment, a means for generating a signal indicative ofdisruption of connectivity in response to a hazardous event includes,but is not limited to: an acoustic device such as a buzzer; a visualindicator such as, without limitation, a lamp, a fluorescent chemical, asemaphore; or a device that produces electrical data.

In a differing embodiment, the apparatus is constructed with aninsulating thermohydraulic substance selected for properties that willoptimize mitigation of unsafe conditions, such as, but not limited to,an electrical arc. The substance releases sufficient hydraulic energyabove a certain temperature to forcibly open the connectivity. Further,the nature of the plurality of constituents used in the embodiment isselected so that any byproducts produced are non-toxic and further, areinsulating to provide arc quench.

In another embodiment, pre-detection of an emerging unsafe condition inthe sensor device would send an unsafe condition signal, which resultsin an alarm and the associated connectivity system component beingde-energized by disconnection of the flow of current with a disruptorconstructed according to the teaching herein.

Another embodiment includes manual connection and disconnection of theconnectivity from the system is possible without posing any risks orhazards. During installation or modification of a system which utilizesthe connectivity, the connectivity may require manual disassembly.Disruption of the connectivity will be irreversible, requiring theconnectivity to be removed and replaced from its installed location.Disassembly and replacement of the disrupted connectivity is safe andstraightforward.

In another embodiment, the thermovolumetric substance is augmented witha sensor built into or inserted into the body. The forcible opening ofthe connectivity will remain the same, but a connector, which can detectwhen the connectivity is open, is implemented. A number of methods canbe used in sensing the opening of the connectivity, including but notlimited to: electronic sensors, physical sensors, optical sensors, andthermal sensors.

In a more detailed design of the alternative connectivity design inwhich the conductive guide is offset from the thermovolumetricsubstance, the threaded connection piece could be designed to include alocking mechanism or component or could, in some way, be permanentlyaffixed to the central cavity housing such that it could not be removedafter it was affixed to the central cavity housing. Additionally, thepiston connection piece could include a method or mechanism to cause itto be securely affixed to the central cavity housing after initialinstallation until the thermovolumetric substance was thermallyactivated causing a subsequent actuation of the piston connection pieceand thus disconnection of the connectivity.

The apparatus should be constructed to provide an amount of hydraulicforce to permanently open the connectivity with the force provided bythe thermovolumetric substance. A non-reversible pressure vessel isconstructed of materials which can withstand and direct the energy ofthe thermovolumetric substance to the opening of the connectivity. Afundamental requirement of a hydraulic system is that the pressurerequired to achieve motion in the hydraulic system must be lower thanthe pressure which causes deformation or damage to the encapsulatinghydraulic reservoir. Fulfilling the structural requirements of theconnectivity system may utilize polymer materials or a combination ofsolid materials to ensure structural integrity and reliability of theconnectivity under differing conditions.

The material used for producing the hydraulic energy should beencapsulated, such as, but not limited to, a suitable polymer ofstrength that provides accumulation of force needed to cause assureddisruption of the connectivity.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the material used toproduce hydraulic force along with the encapsulation material should bereliable and stable for the expected service life of the connectivity.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, theapparatus could include features such as, but not limited to, aself-test function, an ability to annunciate, an ability to beinterrogated by wired or wireless means, or an ability to interruptcurrent flow by opening the connectivity.

To test the functionality of the system, a person should create anapparatus for performing a series of measurement tests that produce datato determine the amount of hydraulic separating force generated by thethermovolumetric substance. To generate internal heating within aconnectivity, ohmic heating can be utilized to simulate high temperatureconditions that may occur within a connectivity in the case of ahazardous thermal event. An electrically conductive channel with a knownhigh resistance should be used. After connecting to a source ofelectricity, incrementally increase current with a calibrated currentsource, such as a variable transformer. A thermocouple should bepositioned to measure the internal temperature of the thermovolumetricsubstance. A pressure sensor should be attached to measure the hydraulicpressure.

Functionality of the system will further be tested using extreme yetsafe conditions which will allow for the behavior of the system to bebetter understood during extreme conditions. As a safety device, theconnectivity system must perform safely at conditions which are morehazardous than the connectivity is rated for. In the case of anelectrical connectivity, heat of an exothermic chemical reaction orohmic heating may be used to cause the initial separation of theconnectivity, but arcing inside of the connectivity has the possibilityto create ionized gases, which can serve as a conducting guide moreeasily. Efforts will be made to ensure that any arcing which occursduring the initial separation of the connectivity will not result in ahazardous situation.

In reduction to practice, we produced and experimented with severalforms of prototype connectivity bodies with an internal chamberaccording to the teachings herein. A prototype of a thermovolumetricdisruptor was constructed with 3-D printed and machined parts. Paraffinat room temperature was forced into the chamber. In practice, aninjection mold to produce millions of pieces would be more efficient.The internal chamber was filled with paraffin, then capped with anair-tight lid. Paraffin was selected for the property of releasinghydraulic energy above 130 degrees Celsius. When the prototype disruptorwas heated to 130 degrees Celsius in a temperature-controlled oven, theheat caused the paraffin contained within the sealed connectivity cavityto expand quickly, accumulating sufficient thermohydraulic force toseparate the disruptor body.

To produce exemplary ohmic heating caused by corrosion at currenttypical of that of commercial connectivity at the current time, examplesof corroded electrically conductive guides and pins were produced andused. The examples were assembled from simulated corroded terminals inthe form of nichrome ohmic heating wires. The examples worked asdescribed herein establishing that resistive heating within a connectorwell below 200 degrees Celsius that produces an arc can be means todisrupt unsafe connectivity preventing the arc from happening. Asidefrom internal heating, external heating tests of the connectivity wereconducted in order to ensure that an external source of heat would stillresult in disruption of the connectivity.

Several different tests were conducted in order to evaluate theperformance of different thermoexpansive materials. Initial testing ofdisruptor mechanisms were conducted utilizing actuators with athermoexpansive substance inside. The simplest formation of a thermallyactivated disruptor was fabricated by enclosing paraffin wax inside of ametal piston onto which a force of 40 pounds was applied. Upon heatingof the piston to a temperature greater than the melting point of theparaffin wax, the piston was able to move and displace the 40 poundweight a distance of 3 millimeters. Successful displacement of a largeamount of mass by a relatively small piston apparatus indicated thatparaffin or other thermoexpansive materials will perform adequately inthe design of the thermohydraulic disruptor. A calculation using thediameter of the piston to be 3 mm shows that the pressure of thethermohydraulic substance is 59 megapascals (MPa) or 8.5 thousand poundsper square inch (ksi). This is a tremendous value of pressure and ismore than suitable to cause disruption of a connectivity component by avariety of means.

Assessment of various thermoexpansive substances was performed using aprocedure developed to characterize the expansion of several waxes atincreasing temperatures. Commercial waxes from both Micropowders andDeurex were cast into pellets with care so as to prevent internal voidsfrom forming. Measurements of both mass and volume were conducted oneach pellet. Each cast pellet was placed in a test tube with athermocouple, and the test tube was heated over a Bunsen burner. Thetemperature of the wax pellet was measured every 10 seconds duringheating and during cooling. During heating and cooling of the waxpellet, a solid-liquid phase transition occurred, which was able to beseen as a plateau of the temperature curves. During a phase transition,there is latent heat required to convert a material from solid toliquid, thus the temperature of the transitioning substance ismaintained at the transition temperature for a short period of time.Volumetric expansion was conducted in a similar manner. A wax pellet wasplaced into brake fluid inside of a test tube. Brake fluid was chosen asa liquid that could withstand high temperatures without burning orcausing unexpected interactions with the wax. In order to gain anaccurate measurement of volume expansion, brake fluid was used as a lowvolume expansion liquid to fill in any air gaps between the test tubewalls and the wax pellet. As the temperature of the test tube wasincreased by a Bunsen burner, the height of the brake fluid was measuredwith respect to the temperatures. At higher temperatures, the level ofbrake fluid increased, indicating that the wax substance volumetricallyincreased with increasing temperature. Expansion curves were generatedbased on data recorded from the experiments. Further testing was done toensure that the volumetric expansion of the brake fluid would not havean effect on the volume measurements of the waxes.

Moving forward from a single piston design, a ring piston design wasdeveloped in order to allow for a conduit to exist through the center ofthe connectivity. A prototype disruptor was developed with a hollow tubethrough the center, in which electronic pin connectors can be placed.The body of the prototype was machined out of aluminum and copper metal.Other components of the prototype were 3-D printed using a StratasysObjet30 printer, which prints high resolution UV-cured plasticcomponents. Combining machining and 3-D printing allowed for a prototypeof a ring-piston style connectivity to be developed. Paraffin wax wasused as the thermoexpansive substance enclosed within the ring pistonprototype. Testing of the ring piston prototype showed successfulexpansion and success of prototype connectivity components beingdisrupted before an unsafe event occurred.

Various thermoexpansive substances were experimented with in order tofind a substance which exhibits the highest level of expansion at atemperature within the range of 150 degrees Celsius to 200 degreesCelsius. A relationship must exist where the expansion point of thethermoexpansive material can be tuned to be well below the melting pointof the housing of the material which encapsulates the thermoexpansivematerial. Because the temperature range at which the connectivitydisruptor is supposed to be activated is known, ABS and polypropyleneplastics were found to have melting points of close to 230 degreesCelsius. Because of the melting temperatures, ABS and polypropylene wereutilized to fabricate the initial prototypes. Different types of casingmaterials can be used for the connectivity disruptor as long as theirstructural integrity is maintained at the disruption temperature.

The preferred embodiment of the connectivity disruptor is produced usingan injection molded polymer with a softening point well above theexpansion temperatures of the thermoexpansive substances. Injectionmolded prototypes have been produced using ABS and polypropyleneplastics and a hand-operated injection molding machine. Molds for theinjection molding machine were produced using the same 3-D printer whichwas utilized to produce initial prototypes. It was found that accurateinjection molded parts can be produced using the 3-D printed molds,allowing for small scale production of interchangeable parts. Severalmotivations served the motion towards injection molding the prototypes.Firstly, 3-D printers capable of printing in high temperature materialsare unable to print at the resolution which would be desired in afinalized design. Secondly, injection molding opens a wider variety ofpolymeric materials which can he chosen for use in the construction ofthe connectivity disruptor. Thirdly, movement towards injection moldingwas done in order to better understand the design of the thermohydraulicdisruptor from an industrial high volume production standpoint.

The present invention has been described in terms of the preferredembodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, andmodifications (aside from those expressly stated), are possible andwithin the scope of the appending claims.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one ofordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be thebest mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand andappreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents ofthe specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. For example, inthe case of electrical conduits, the connectivity may be within ajunction box, a panel, or electronic assembly. As another example, inthe case of chemical conduits, the connectivity may be gate valveswithin a distribution system. Additionally, the force of thethermovolumetric substance can be augmented by means such as, but notlimited to, a spring or force generated by a thermos-kinetic substance.In another embodiment, the disruptor could be configured with a means toproduce a signal indicative of the state of the continuity and/ordisruption such as, but not limited to, an electronic signal, asemaphore, or release of a marker substance such as, but not limited to,a fluorescent dye. The invention should therefore not be limited by theabove described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodimentsand methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

The previous description of specific embodiments is provided to enableany person with ordinary skill in the art to make or use the presentinvention. The various modifications to these embodiments will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principlesdefined herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use ofthe inventive faculty.

A person with ordinary skill in the art would understand that the forcesgenerated by the thermovolumetric substance could be augmented by forcessuch as produced by a spring, a thermokinetic substance or otherenergetic component.

DEFINITIONS

Direct Current (DC): an electric current flowing in one direction only.

Alternating Current (AC): an electric current that reverses itsdirection many times a second at regular intervals, typically used inpower supplies.

Connectivity: Connectivity as used herein is a general term thatincludes wiring and associated attachment means used for the purpose ofconducting fluids, electrical current (AC or DC), or combinationsthereof The connectivity components are sometimes called connectors,plugs, terminals, electrodes, receptacles, and junction boxes amongother names. Systems which are in connectivity are in a state of aclosed circuit.

Connector: Connector as used herein is a general term for a connectivitydevice which bridges two ends of an electrical or fluidic system.

Conductor or Conduit: A conductor or conduit as used herein is a generalterm for a mechanism for transporting energy or substances overdistances.

Substance or Material: The terms substance and material as used hereinare interchangeable.

Thermohydraulic material: Thermohydraulic material as used herein is ageneral term for a substance which produces a hydraulic force as aresult of heating in an enclosed chamber.

Thermovolumetric substance, thermoexpansive substance, andthermohydraulic substance: thermovolumetric substance, thermoexpansivesubstance, and theremohydraulic substance as used herein areinterchangeable as a general term for a substance that exhibitsvolumetric expansion above or within a certain temperature range.

Thermokinetic substance and thermoenergetic substance: thermokineticsubstance and thermoenergetic substance as used herein areinterchangeable as a general term for a combination of chemicallyreactive substances such as explosives, pyrotechnic compositions,propellants, gun powders, and fuels that decompose with release ofenergy in the form of gas and heat byproducts when exposed a sufficientamount of time at or above a certain temperature.

Fire suppressant: Fire suppressant as used herein refers to substancesthat inhibit combustion.

Unsafe condition: An unsafe condition as used herein is a hazardoussituation that precedes an unsafe event.

Hazardous condition: A hazardous condition as used herein is an unsafesituation that precedes a hazardous event.

Electric arc or arc discharge: Electric arc or arc discharge as usedherein is a general term for an electrical breakdown of a gas thatproduces an ongoing high temperature plasma discharge, resulting from acurrent through normally nonconductive media such as air.

Thermal energy: Thermal energy as used herein is a general term for theinternal energy present in a system by virtue of its temperature.

Thermal expansion: Thermal expansion as used herein occurs when anobject expands and becomes larger due to a change in the object'stemperature.

Expansive energy: Expansive energy as used herein pertains to the powerrelated to a pressurized fluid or viscous substance used to accomplishmachine motion. The pressure can be relatively static (such asreservoirs) or in motion though tubing or hoses.

Non-reactive substance: Non-reactive substance as used herein is ageneral term for a substance that is suitable for conducting a certainchemical.

Pro-Active: Pro-Active as used herein is a general term for beingpreventive; e.g., taking action based on diagnosing a pre-condition.

Photovoltaic (PV): refers to a method for generating electric power byusing solar cells to convert energy from the sun into a flow ofelectrons. Photons of light excite electrons into a higher state ofenergy, allowing them to act as charge carriers for an electric current.

A person with ordinary skill in the art would understand thatembodiments of the present invention can include different arrangementsof cavities and channels through which the hydraulic substance flows,depending on the functionality required. Further, that while theembodiments presented in this application focus on preventing arc-faultsin electrical power systems, the present invention can be applied in anysituation where high temperature hazards can result in loss of life anddestruction of property. Thus, the present invention is not intended tobe limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded thewidest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosedherein and as defined by the following claims.

1. An apparatus for autonomous disruption of a connectivity using athermovolumetric mechanism to prevent a hazardous event comprising: anamount of thermovolumetric substance disposed in the thermovolumetricmechanism for generating a hydraulic pressure above a certaintemperature sufficient to disrupt the connectivity; an end cap; areservoir adapted to operably join to the end cap comprising: a channelfor accepting one or more conductors; one or more hollow cavitiesconfigured to contain the thermovolumetric substance; and whereinheating of the thermovolumetric substance above the certain temperaturecauses sufficient hydraulic pressure to cause the end cap to separatefrom the reservoir causing permanent disruption of the connectivity. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein heating of the thermovolumetricsubstance causes a sufficient hydraulic pressure to cause permanentdisruption of the connectivity.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinheating of the thermovolumetric substance is caused at least in part byan adjacent conductor.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thehazardous event is injury or death.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe hazardous event is an electrical arc. 6-7. (canceled)
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising a thermokinetic substance toaugment the force of hydraulic pressure. 9-20. (canceled)
 21. A methodfor autonomously disrupting a connectivity, using thermohydraulicprinciples, for preventing a hazardous event comprising: providing aconnectivity body adapted for connection and disruption; enclosing in acavity within the connectivity body a thermohydraulic substance forgenerating a force; and wherein heating of the thermohydraulic substanceproduces a force which permanently disrupts the connectivity body.22-24. (canceled)
 25. A system for mitigating a hazardous event in aconnectivity comprising: a connectivity means for operably connectingone or more conduits, a thermovolumetric substance for generating ahydraulic force that permanently disrupts the connectivity means tomitigate the hazardous event, and a means for preventing reconnection ofthe connectivity.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein heating of thethermovolumetric substance forces separation of a conductive guidecausing a disruption of the connectivity.
 27. The system of claim 25further comprising a thermokinetic substance to augment the force. 28.An apparatus for preventing a hazardous condition in a connectivityconsisting of a plethora of constituents comprising: a connectivity tojoin one or more conduits, a thermovolumetric substance for generating ahydraulic force, a cavity within the connectivity for enclosing thethermovolumetric substance which has the ability to permanently disruptthe connectivity, and a means for generating a signal indicative of needto disrupt connectivity.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28, furthercomprising a means for causing a permanent disruption of theconnectivity upon receiving the signal.